Scholarship Opportunity

HELP – Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students

Offered by Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid

The Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students (HELP) provides tuition assistance to qualified Mississippi students whose financial need is not fully met by other gift aid.

Minimum GPA2.5+
EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2027-2028 Academic Year

OpensOctober 1, 2026
DeadlineMarch 31, 2027

Eligibility

  • Be a legal resident of Mississippi for at least one year prior to application.
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Earn a minimum composite score of 20 on the National ACT; superscores are accepted.
  • Meet the HELP program income limitations.
  • Complete the FAFSA and qualify for a maximum or partial Federal Pell Grant.
  • Enroll full-time at an approved Mississippi postsecondary institution.
  • Enroll in a program leading to a first certificate, first associate degree, or first bachelor's degree.
  • Apply and qualify for HELP within one year of high school graduation.

Requirements

  • Complete the Mississippi Aid Application through MAAPP.
  • Complete the FAFSA for the applicable academic year.
  • Provide required Mississippi residency documentation.
  • Provide household income verification when requested.
  • Provide official high school GPA and ACT information.
  • Submit all required supporting documentation by the published deadline.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA for the academic year in which aid is requested.
  2. 2Complete a new Mississippi Aid Application through MAAPP.
  3. 3Submit required residency, income, and academic documentation.
  4. 4Submit the state aid application by March 31.
  5. 5Submit required supporting documents, including the FAFSA, by April 30.
  6. 6Monitor the MAAPP Dashboard for missing documents, eligibility updates, and award information.